Every year on July 26, we observe International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference established this International Day in 2015.
The goal of this International Day is to promote solutions for the sustainable management, conservation, and use of mangrove ecosystems, recognizing them as "a unique, special, and vulnerable ecosystem."
Mangroves are unique coastal ecosystems
Mangroves are unique coastal ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
They are characterized by dense, salt-tolerant trees and plants that thrive in the intertidal zones, where land and sea meet.
They are typically found in sheltered coastal areas, estuaries, lagoons, and tidal flats, where they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
Common species of mangrove trees
Some common species of mangrove trees include the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora spp.), Black Mangrove (Avicennia spp.), White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), and the Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus).
Features of mangrove trees
Mangrove forests can store ten times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests.
They can store carbon up to 400 per cent faster than land-based tropical rainforests.
Mangroves improve water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments from the land, and they reduce coastal erosion.
They have specialized adaptations to cope with high salt levels in both the soil and water, such as unique root systems called "prop roots" or "pneumatophores" that help with gas exchange in waterlogged soils.
They project above the mud and have small openings (lenticels) through which air enters, passing through the soft spongy tissue to the roots beneath the mud.
They can survive extreme weather conditions and require low oxygen levels to survive.
They cannot survive freezing temperatures and thus are found mainly in tropical and subtropical latitudes.
India contributes a lot in South Asia
India contributes to nearly half of the total mangrove cover in South Asia.
According to the India State of Forest Report, 2021, the mangrove cover in India is 4,992 square km, which is 0.15 per cent of the country's total geographical area.
West Bengal has the highest percentage of mangrove cover in India, mainly because it has Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is followed by Gujarat and Andaman, and Nicobar Islands.
The second largest mangrove forest in India is Bhitarkanika in Odisha. The forest is created by the two river deltas of River Brahmani and Baitarani. It is one of the most significant Ramsar wetlands in India.
Besides the Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, the Andamans region, the Kachchh and Jamnagar areas in Gujarat too have substantial mangrove cover.
Other states that have mangrove cover are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Kerala.
Top five Biodiversity hotspots in India
Sundarbans, West Bengal
Not many must be aware that the great Sundarbans in West Bengal are the largest mangrove regions in the world! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans is densely populated by mangroves and is home to the Royal Bengal Tigers. The forest is also home to more than 180 species of trees and plants. Besides, Gangetic dolphins and estuarine crocodiles are also its popular residents.
Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha
The second largest mangrove forest in India is Bhitarkanika in Odisha. The forest is created by the two river deltas of River Brahmani and Baitarani. It is one of the most significant Ramsar wetlands in India.
Pichavaram Mangroves, Tamil Nadu
Counted among the largest mangrove forests in India, Pichavaram mangrove is situated close to Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu. The whole region is exquisitely scenic and houses large number Aquatic birds.
Godavari – Krishna Mangroves, Andhra Pradesh
Set in the eastern coast of India, the Godavari-Krishna mangroves lies in the deltas of the Godavari and Krishna rivers and extend from Odisha to Tamil Nadu. The forest is under protection for Calimere Wildlife and Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary and is home to some rare animal species and aquatic birds. Flamingoes and egrets are an annual visitor here.
Baratang Island Mangroves, Andamans
Another gorgeous swamp of mangroves is set on the Andaman’s Baratang Island. It’s a great place for wildlife explorers and birdwatchers, located just 150 km away from Port Blair. Some exotic bird species can also be spotted here.